For about fifty years, the Oblates had been going each year all the way to Fort Albany, on the West Coast of James Bay. In June of 1892, Father François-Xavier Fafard, Father Joseph-Étienne Guinard and Brother Grégoire Lapointe, undertook the trip to the James Bay for the purpose of setting up a permanent mission at Fort Albany

In addition to organising the Fort Albany Mission with his companions, Father Fafard visited Native people all along the West Coast of James Bay. He took the responsibility of building small chapels. He preached the Gospel, and administered sacraments to those who wanted them. A nun once said: "He laid the road to Heaven at James Bay."

François-Xavier loved Native people. He talked to them about God; he visited the sick. Occasionally, he shared food with them. He welcomed all his people with warmth and friendship »

In 1902, he obtained the help of four nuns from the Grey Nuns of the Cross, now called the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa. These holy women took care of the sick, the aged, the windows; they also taught the chidren

Albany, Central Mission for James Bay area.

In 1902, he obtained the help of four nuns from the Grey Nuns of the Cross, now called the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa. These holy women took care of the sick, the aged, the windows; they also taught the chidren

LES FONDERS OF A SCHOOL-HOSPITAL IN ALBANY

In 1908, François-Xavier, who was ailing, left James Bay. Extreme poverty had ruined his health. He recovered at Notre-Dame Parish in Hull, in 1908-09, returned to Ville-Marie in 1909-10, stayed in Pointe-Bleue in 1910-11. Native people gave him the nickname "Saapeeay", or "Our Father". Since 1958, a James Bay island bears his name.

The dolted line indicates the challenging path followed by Father Farfard, travelling from Albany to Winisk by way of Henriette-Marie Cap.

From Montreal to James Bay. Here is the route followed by missionnaires, before the existence of the current railways.

Albany around 1900. Arrows indicate distances from central mission to various points of services.

Fafard Irland located at the mouth of Albany river on James Bay..

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